Shelbyville Eagle

10/17/2025

Last chance!

10/14/2025

10/14/2025

Larry Rae Reynolds, 85, of Shelbyville, IL, passed away at 5:00 a.m. on Monday, October 13, 2025, in Shelbyville Manor.
Graveside services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 16, 2025, in Glenwood Cemetery, Shelbyville, IL with military rites by the Shelby County Honor Guard. Visitation will be from Noon-1:00 p.m. on Thursday in Howe and Yockey Funeral Home, Shelbyville, IL. Memorials may be given to the Shelby County Honor Guard.
Larry was born on September 29, 1940, in Shelbyville, IL, the son of John Herbert and Margaret (Donaldson) Reynolds. He attended Shelbyville High School and was a member of the Class of 1958. Larry served as a radio operator in the U.S. Army at Fort Eustis, Virginia, during the Vietnam War. Following his time in the service, Larry was a laborer for the Local Labor Union. He was a member of the Shelby Co. Rescue Squad, Shelby County Dive Team and was a former Captain of the Shelbyville Fire Protection District. Larry enjoyed finding and collecting fishing lures, hunting, and spending time boating on the Kaskaskia River.
He is survived by his brother, Alan Reynolds (Brenda) of Shelbyville, and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, Kenneth, Phillip, Jim “Rabbit”, David, and Mike “Moochie” Reynolds; sister, Nancy Robison (Bill); one sister in infancy; and niece, Molly Reynolds.
Send condolences at www.howeandyockey.com

10/08/2025

Shelby County 4-H “Tell us Tuesdays”
Ada Black
“My name is Ada Black, and I am a third-year member of Cloverbuds. This past year at the fair I showed sunflowers, brownies, and card making. My favorite part of 4-H is Clover Camp.”

Adyson Lowrance
“I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a member of Shelby County 4-H! The supportive judges, advisors, and friends I have met throughout my county 4-H has driven me to be such a hardworking and grateful young woman!”

Amelia Bonny
“My favorite project is scrapbooking because I get to be play around with different layouts and designs. It's a fun way to preserve some of my favorite memories. I really enjoy leading some of the stations at craft workshops with federation because I get to see the excitement on the younger kids faces as they create something special.”

Barrett Thatcher
“I love being a member of Shelby Co 4-H! There are so many opportunities available from exhibiting projects at the fair, to project workshops, community service projects, and so much more. My favorite part of 4-H is exhibiting my rabbits and pigs, doing community service projects, and making friends. “

Esmi Small
“One of my favorite projects last year was visual arts - wood turning. I was new to it and had a fun time learning how to safely make this amazing, segmented plate. Choosing the colors and carving the rough wood into this shape were the best parts. I want to make more.”

Evan Miller
“I think 4-H is a good place to learn leadership, kindness, and work ethic. In my woodworking project I had a great mentor and together we learned how grateful we are for power tools! I’m looking forward to being in the higher level project level this year so I can use them instead of hand tools! I feel very proud of all the awards I earned at the fair and state fair, and thankful the judges noticed my hard work on all my many projects.”

Everett Black
“My name is Everett Black. I am a second-year member of Cloverbuds. This year at the fair I showed a farm scene and a rocket. My favorite part of Cloverbuds is building a farm scene with my dad and going to the rocket workshop with my grandpa.”

Graydon Bennett
“My name is Graydon Bennett. I have been in 4-H 5 years. I’m in the Coldspring Copperhead 4-H club. My favorite project to show at the fair is pigs, and my favorite workshop is the sports fishing workshop. I have lots of fun hanging out with my friends and cousins at the 4-H fair. This year I hope to do the lawnmower contest.”

Huck Lowrance
“I love and enjoy my 4-H project because it helps me with my leadership skills. I enjoy showing my market goat because it helps me learn the difference between the many classes of goats and helps me learn how to give them proper nutrition as they grow up.”

Isabelle Morrow
"Hello! My name is Isabelle, and I am an eighth-year member of the Coldspring Copperheads 4-H Club. My favorite project is showing beef cattle, especially partaking in showmanship! I also exhibited my dog, Millie, in Dog Obedience this year and get the opportunity to compete at state!"

Jessa Danneberger
“Hi, I’m Jessa Danneberger, and this was my first year showing in 4-H. My favorite projects this year were showing my goats and rabbits. I love 4-H because I get to work with my animals and then show them—it brings me so much joy!”

Jessica McVey
“My name is Jessica and this is my 5th year in 4-H. My favorite project is sheep. I enjoy working with my sheep to tame them and see kids pet them at the fair. I also like trying out different crafts and photography. I'm looking forward to joining federation this year as a junior member and assisting others with their crafts projects. “

Kaycee Thatcher
“4-H is one of my favorite things! I love being able to show my pigs and horses, taking part in livestock events, and helping with community service projects. Being a member of Shelby Co 4-H has helped me improve my leadership skills, public speaking, knowledge of the livestock industry, and so much more!”

Kyndall Bennett
“My name is Kyndall Bennett. I have been in for 8 years. I currently serve as the president of the Coldspring Copperheads 4-H club. I enjoy showing my pigs, rabbits, visual arts, and various other projects including public speaking. This year my goal is to return to state for public speaking and get to go to state fair in creative writing or animal science again. I also hope to recruit more 4-H members to this wonderful program that had provided me so many opportunities.”

Liam Ervin
“Hi, I'm Liam and this is my third year in The Clover Kids Cloverbud Club. I love getting to create something for the fair and talk about it with other kids. I also love Clover Camp and wish it was all summer long".

Lucy Sloan
"Hi, I'm Lucy and a third year Cloverbud member. I am a 4-H Member in Shelby County because it's fun! I was able to show a pig in the Junior Fair Pee-Wee Show, which was awesome. I was able to display this purse I made for my mom on the sewing machine at the fair and talked about it at Chit Chat with a Cloverbud".

Mac Banfield
“Hi, I'm Mac and I just finished my second year as a member of the Ful-O-Pep 4-H Club. My absolute favorite 4-H activity was going to the family fishing camp in Monticello. I also really liked going to the Cardinals game for 4-H. My favorite project that I showed was my archery project. I got State Fair Alternate on it".

Madison Beitz
“I love being in 4-H because it lets me learn new things. My favorite project is shopping in style. Doing this project helped me explore my style and extend my closet. I encourage anybody to do this project if you want to learn more about yourself through your clothes.”

Marshall Beitz
“I like building rockets. The rocket workshop was fun and I got to launch my rocket at the end. I also made a fairy garden. Next year I'll be in 4h and want to make a bigger rocket!”

Maverick Beitz
“My favorite project this year was my rocket. It was fun launching it. My favorite 4-h activities are Family Fun Night and International Night. I like eating all the food!”

Mela Miller
“I really enjoyed being a Cloverbud but I’m ready for the real thing now that I am old enough! I’m excited to paint more canvases like the one I showed this year at the fair, but I’m most looking forward to making this painting come to life when I get show a horse at next year’s fair!”

Miah Voegel
“Hi! I’m Miah and this is my 6th year in 4-H (plus I was a Cloverbud for 3 years). I am a part of the F.A.R. Club. Swine is my favorite 4-H project because I enjoy working with my pigs, taking care of them, and seeing the results of my hard work in the show ring. My proudest accomplishment from last year is that my barrow “Blue Smoke,” was named Grand Champion Carcass. I also enjoy other 4-H projects like Vegetable Gardening and Visual Arts.”

Saebra Curl
“This year I enjoyed showing several projects, but my favorite was Graphic Design. This project gave me a chance to try a new project and create something for my portfolio. It also gave me some confidence as I go into college studying Graphic Design.”

Sarina Voegel
“I’m a proud member of Shelby County 4-H because it’s like one big family—everyone knows everyone, and there’s always someone willing to lend a hand. On show days, the energy is high and everyone is ready to help get your livestock to the ring, even if it takes a push or two! If you ever have an extra animal entered in a class or in overall, there’s always someone willing to jump in and help you show.”

Tate Danneberger
“Hi, my name is Tate Danneberger, and this is my 3rd year in 4-H. This past year I participated in the Bank Steer Program and showed my steer, Hardy. I was excited to place third with him! I love being in 4-H because it teaches me responsibility, and I enjoy taking care of the animals on our farm.”

Will Banfield
"Hi, my name is Will, and I just finished my second year in 4-H. I am in the Ful-O-Pep 4-H Club. Some of my favorite activities include archery and fishing camp. I also enjoyed showing at the State Fair".

10/07/2025

Ione Marie Elliott, 83, of Shelbyville, IL, passed away at 1:51 p.m. Monday, October 6, 2025, at St. John’s Hospital, Springfield, IL.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Howe and Yockey Funeral Home, Shelbyville, IL, with Rev. Linda Trent officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Friday, October 10th in the funeral home. Burial will be in Jordan Cemetery, Shelbyville, IL. Memorials may be given to Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church or Saving Orphaned Animals.
Ione was born on December 23, 1941, in Lincoln, IL, the daughter of Benjamin and Eleanor Irish. Ione was a lifelong learner, graduating from Lincoln Community High School, earning her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Illinois State University, her master’s degree from Millikin University and her special education certification from Eastern Illinois University. She married Richard Gene Elliott on April 26, 1969, in Lincoln, IL. Ione began her teaching career at the Decatur Public School District, before teaching at Cowden-Herrick and Shelbyville Schools. Ione was a member of the Shelby County Retired Teachers Association and Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church, where she was involved with the United Methodist Women. Ione will also be remembered for her love of animals.
Ione is survived by her sons, Larry Elliott of Ballwin, MO, and Chris Elliott of Shelbyville, IL; two granddaughters, Blair & Bryleigh Elliott of Shelbyville, IL; brother-in-law, Dennis Hectus of Williamsport, IN; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Richard on August 30, 2017; and her sister, Nancy Irish Hectus.
Send condolences at www.howeandyockey.com

10/07/2025

Richard Allen Wildman, 59, of Findlay, IL, passed away at 11:45 a.m. on Sunday, October 5, 2025, in Shelbyville Manor, Shelbyville, IL.
Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 11, 2025, in Findlay Cemetery, Findlay, IL, with Pastor Mike Reynolds officiating. Memorials may be given to Tunnel to Towers Foundation and mailed to Howe and Yockey Funeral Home, 415 North Broadway, Shelbyville, IL 62565
Richard was born on December 14, 1965, in Shelbyville, IL. He was the son of Steven Frederick and Donna Jean (Trimble) Wildman. He graduated from Findlay High School in the Class of 1984. Richard worked as a Civilian Contractor for the United States Air Force. Richard later worked for a radio station, where he hosted a podcast on technology.
He is survived by his father, Steve Wildman of Findlay, IL; brother, Rodney Wildman (Chelsea) of Shelbyville, IL; sister, Mendy Campbell (Steve) of Findlay, IL; and two nieces, Jasmine and Natilee Wildman of Shelbyville, IL.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Donna J. Wildman on June 20, 2025; brother, Travis L. Wildman on March 2, 2023; paternal grandparents, Everett and Signa Wildman; and maternal grandmother, Marguerite Mose.
Send condolences at www.howeandyockey.com

10/06/2025

June Eileen Fairbanks, a cherished matriarch and beacon of love, passed away peacefully at the age of 91 on October 4, 2025, at the Piatt County Nursing Home in Monticello, Illinois. Born on June 23, 1934, in Shelbyville, Illinois, June was the beloved daughter of Harry and Dorothy (Etheridge) Clemons. Her life was one of devotion, laughter, and song, which resonated in the hearts of all who knew her.
June's journey of love began when she married her soulmate, John H. "Jack" Fairbanks Jr., on July 29, 1950. Their union was a testament to enduring love, and they were blessed with nearly 69 years of companionship until Jack's passing in 2019. Together, they built a legacy through their six children, who stood as pillars of the family she so dearly loved.
June is survived by her adoring children, Jimmy (Janey) Fairbanks of Decatur, Gary (Rhonda) Fairbanks of Shelbyville, Johnny (Pam) Fairbanks of Taylorville, David (Felisha Minch) Fairbanks of Shelbyville, Larry (Jennifer) Fairbanks of Springfield, and Lori (Steve) Hall of Monticello. Her love extended to her 22 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren, each of whom brought her immeasurable joy. Her siblings, Edgar (Jackie) Clemons, Wayne (Leona) Clemons, and Kathy (Lee) Merritt, along with her daughter-in-law, Doris Fairbanks of Shelbyville, also survive her. She joins in eternal rest her parents, her loving husband Jack, and her sister, Shirley Benedict.
June's life was a testament to the power of family. Not just a housewife, she was the heart and soul of her home, cultivating a deep sense of commitment that became the foundation for all her loved ones. June and Jack were unwavering advocates for their children and grandchildren, supporting them through every triumph and challenge.
Her interests and passions were as rich and fulfilling as her family life. June's love for travel led her to sunny Florida to visit family, and on road trips to enjoy the sounds of live country music. She held a special fondness for Billy Ray Cyrus, but her musical tastes were rooted in the classics, as she cherished listening to her husband Jack play the guitar, bringing the songs of Hank Williams and Ray Price to life. June's sense of humor shone through in her affection for the TV show "Gunsmoke," often joking that it was the only channel her television knew.
In the simplicity of everyday moments, June found her greatest pleasures. Her boundless generosity and warmth made her home a sanctuary, a place where love and laughter were in abundant supply. Her legacy is one of kindness, resilience, and unwavering support, a legacy that will continue to flourish in the lives of her family.
Private family services will be held with burial in Glenwood Cemetery. Lockart-Green Funeral Home in Shelbyville is assisting the family.
Family and friends are invited to light a candle or share a story at www.lockartgreenfuneralhome.com.

10/06/2025

Wilfred Joseph “Joe” Beyers, 91, of Pana passed away Thursday, October 2, 2025 in Hickory Estates Memory Care, Pana. He was born December 17, 1933 in Pana, IL to the late Wilfred C. Beyers, Sr. & Marguerite F. (Adams) Beyers. Joe married Myrna Speagle on March 2, 1957 in St. Patrick’s Church, Pana. She preceded him in death on January 9, 2021.
Joe was a graduate of Pana High School and then served in the U.S. Army. He was a lifetime farmer and a DeKalb seed dealer for many years. He then worked as head of maintenance at the Shelbyville School District for 25 years until he retired. Joe was a member of the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Oconee American Legion Post #317 and a past member of the Oconee Lions Club. Joe was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan and he and Myrna enjoyed traveling to the country music shows around the area. Joe was a proud participant in the National Farmers Organization (NFO) and the American Agriculture Movement (AAM), which were farmer-led organizations, who protested and sought to improve low farm commodity prices and unfair U.S. farm policy that left them operating at a loss. Joe was also part of the AAM's most famous action, which was the 1979 "Tractorcade," where thousands of farmers drove their tractors to Washington D.C. to demand a fair price, or "parity," for their products, leading to significant public attention and media coverage. He always worked hard to provide for his family. Most important in Joe’s life were his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Joe is survived by his children: Kent (Dora) Beyers, Earlville, IL; Brad Beyers, Fairbury, IL; Denise Beyers, Whitestown, IN; Lori (Kevin) McDonald, Tucson, AZ; Curt Beyers, Nashville, TN; Kevin Beyers, Pana; Wes (Heidi) Beyers, Churdan, IA; Nicole (Brian) Blodgett, Pana; special caregiver, Zetta Wolf; grandchildren: Chris (Kristin) Beyers, Jenny (Ryan ) Beyers, Brandon (Hayley) Beyers, Liz Beyers, Bryce (Laine) Beyers, Ali (Dustin) Foxen, Clint (Casey) Culberson, Lindsey (Justin) Argraves, Dr. Andrew (Emily) McDonald, Jared McDonald, Austin (Jennifer) Beyers, Cameron Beyers, Jenna Beyers (Cullen), Kyla Beyers, Adalyn Blodgett, Reagan Blodgett, Lia Blodgett, Taylor Jo Blodgett and Allen Jr., Ron, Ann and Kelly Butz; great grandchildren: Gus and Charlotte Beyers; Andie Walradth; Bryson and Preston Foxen; Birdie and Beck Culberson; Llewyn Buerke; Isabel, Theo, Foster and Finn Sweeney; Blakely and Brooks Argraves; McKinley and Quincy McDonald; Emersyn, Eliana, and Everly Beyers; Wren and Noah Beyers; Hannah, Trey and Angel Butz, Logan and Brayden Leppert, and Connor Clark; siblings: Don Beyers, Pana, IL; Bill (Kathy) Beyers, Pana, IL; Mike (Bev) Beyers, Pana, IL; Pat Holthaus, Pana, IL; Bette Funneman, Pana, IL; several nieces & nephews and sister-in-law, Gertie Beyers. He was also preceded in death by his grandson, Bailey Beyers and siblings: Cyril Beyers, Mary Holthaus, Lyle Beyers, Robert Beyers, Harley Beyers, Irene Beyers.
A funeral mass for Joe will be held on Friday, October 10, 2025 in St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Pana at 10:00 a.m. with Father Joseph Havrilka officiating. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Oconee with military rites by Roy Ireland Post #317 American Legion, Oconee. Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 9, 2025 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. in McCracken-Dean Funeral Home.
Memorials in Joe’s honor may be made to Sacred Heart School or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and will be accepted by McCracken-Dean Funeral Home who is assisting the family.
www.mdfh.com

10/02/2025

Robert Lawson Reedy, 83, of Shelbyville, IL, passed away at 9:21 a.m. Tuesday, September 30, 2025, surrounded by family at his daughter’s residence in Rochester, IL.
Masonic Rites will be held at noon on Monday, October 6, 2025, at Howe and Yockey Funeral Home in Shelbyville, followed by a funeral service officiated by Kenneth Reedy and Jacob Sampson, Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. - noon on Monday in the funeral home. Casual attire is requested. A private family burial will take place in Price Cemetery, Oconee, IL. In lieu of flowers and plants, memorials may be given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Wounded Warrior Project or the Alzheimer’s Association.
Robert was born on September 21, 1942, in Mattoon, IL. He graduated from Shelbyville High School in the Class of 1961. Robert began working as a welder for Oliver Corporation and later P&H manufacturing, both in Shelbyville. He married Norma Jean Price on June 9, 1962, and they raised three children, Susan, Larry and Kenneth. In 1973, Robert began working as a lineman for Shelby Electric Cooperative, retiring in 2007 after 34 years of service. Robert was a member of Jackson Masonic Lodge #53 in Shelbyville and a lifetime member of Shelbyville Moose Lodge 1294. He was an avid fisherman, gardener, and woodworker, and could often be found working crossword puzzles.
Robert is survived by his wife, Norma; daughter, Susan Sampson of Rochester, IL; sons, Homer “Larry” Reedy and wife Donna of St. Peters, MO, and Kenneth Reedy and wife Marsha of Springfield, IL; nine grandchildren, Jacob Sampson (Tracie), Jarred Sampson (Jesse), Jacqlin Fair (Randy Servis), Brandon Coventry (Mary Ann), Erica Wilson (Nick), Evan Reedy (Ashley), Emily Lynch (Andrew), Adam Reedy, and Theo Reedy; and 16 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Homer “Larry” and Lena Agnes Reedy; brothers, Bill Willey, Dewayne Reedy, Gary Reedy, and James Cooper; and son-in-law, Wayne Shoemaker.
Send condolences at www.howeandyockey.com

09/30/2025

Phyllis Webb, 89, of Petersburg, Illinois, passed away on Monday, September 29, 2025, at Hallmark Healthcare of Carlinville in Carlinville, Illinois. She was born April 18, 1936, in Shelbyville, Illinois, to Roy and Ruby (nèe Mitchell) Webb.
Phyllis was of the Methodist faith. She loved animals, especially her dog Libby. She liked to travel and spend time outdoors. She was the President of Octoberfest and organized the food and activities for the event. Most of all, she loved her family.
Phyllis is survived by a niece, Vickii (significant other James Fults) Hart; three nephews, David Webb, Michael (wife Celeste) Webb and Brian Webb; and her great niece and nephews, Rachel, Philip, Zachary and John. She was preceded in death by her parents; and siblings, Rosemary Mester and Dr. Robert Webb.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Hurley Funeral Home, 122 W. Douglas Ave, Petersburg, Illinois 62675. The funeral service will begin at 1:00 pm with Pastor Rick Pierce officiating. Burial will follow the service at Farmers Point Cemetery near Tallula, Illinois.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Rd, Springfield, Illinois 62702.
Hurley Funeral Home in Petersburg, Illinois, is assisting Phyllis’s family with final arrangements. Please visit hurleyfh.com to view Phyllis’s online obituary.